Site Navigation

Site Mobile Navigation

Q&A: Controlling iTunes Remotely

The Devices tab in my iTunes preferences says iTunes is “not paired with any remotes.” How do you use a remote control with iTunes in the first place?

A.

Apple allows its iTunes software to be controlled from beyond the computer, either with a remote control designed to work with iTunes, or by special software installed on a mobile device. Perhaps the most common method is to download and install Apple’s own Remote app into an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. The app is free; more information and a download link are here.

Once installed on the iOS device, you just need to introduce the app to iTunes over your home network connection. Apple has steps for setting up the Remote app for use with iTunes on a PC or Mac here. But the Remote app can control more than just iTunes — if you have an Apple TV box attached to your television set, you can control that as well, including the playback of iTunes Store movie rentals.

A number of similar apps are also available for Android devices, including the $5 Remote for iTunes.

What's Next

About

Gadgetwise is a blog about everything related to buying and using tech products. From figuring out which gadget to buy and how to get the best deal on it to configuring it once it’s out of the box, Gadgetwise offers a mix of information, analysis and opinion to help you get the most out of your personal tech.